Janet Abel

Janet Adelle Abel
March 25, 1934 – March 19, 2025

Janet Adelle Abel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in Indianola, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

Janet was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1934 to Howard and Ellen (Keller) McBride. The McBride family relocated to Humeston, Iowa in 1940 and Janet graduated from Humeston High School in 1952.

Janet married her high school sweetheart, Calvin Abel on November 9, 1952. Together they had two children, Susan and Ronald. They farmed in the Humeston area for 10 years before moving to Carlisle. In 1962 Janet began working at Hartford-Carlisle Savings Bank and worked there for over 24 years. She was also an active member of OBO for 61 years. Janet was involved in the PEO and participated in reading programs for children at the local school. She was a devoted member of the Carlisle United Methodist Church and served there assisting with office tasks and counting offerings.

Janet’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her four granddaughters. She loved taking them to Chuck E Cheese, playing games, visiting Lake Thunderhead for swimming and boating and was known for making the best fried chicken. Later in life she took great joy in watching her great grandchildren grow. She spent as much time as she could attending recitals, playing games and reading to them.

After Calvin’s passing in 2009, Janet remained in their home in Carlisle. In March 2023, she moved to The Oaks at The Village in Indianola and then later to Magnolia also at The Village.

Janet is survived by her children: Susan Garmon and Ronald (Cindy) Abel; grandchildren: Megan (James Wallace) Abel, their children Macaila, Madelyn, and Mae; Stacie (Kyle) Leinen, their children Calvin and Sylvia; Nicole (Tim) Cope, their children Oliver and Ezekiel; and Sharie (Matt) Trachsel, their children Lincoln and Fiona; step-grandchildren: Cory (Cassie) Gifford; Cara (MJ) Romore; and Crystal (Jake) Harsin; 7 step-great-grandchildren; brother: Allan McBride; sister: Deloris Beard; son-in-law: Steve Garmon; and many nieces and nephews.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents Howard & Ellen, her husband Calvin, brother-in-law Billy Beard and sister-in-law Nancy Jelinski.

Janet was deeply loved by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Life Hospice or The Village.